10 best tree removal companies in Middletown, New Jersey

Healthy trees add to your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can compromise your property. Tree removal may be necessary if it is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed tree removal professionals in Middletown can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's important to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, doing this task yourself increases the potential for injury and property damage.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Middletown, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Middletown

Look for tree removal companies in Middletown with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

How do you know a tree needs to be removed?

When a tree exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in Middletown is average compared to other American cities. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to lift or crack. The tree or its branches are dangerously close to your home, garage or shed. The tree has mold, diseases or pests weakening its structure. The tree is dropping far more seeds, needles, branches, leaves or sap than usual. The tree's trunk or branches are cracked and won't heal. The tree is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms.

If you notice raised dirt close to the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to assess the damage and remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the likelihood of them falling. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to pets, property, people and vehicles. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include loose bark, dead branches, rotten wood, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Apart from cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of additional services, such as these:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain after a tree removal. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as leaves, logs and branches. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal professional can use a wood chipper to break down the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can add the chips and mulch to your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. By choosing one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Middletown

Find the right tree removal company for your job based on these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to assess your tree's health and provide the necessary treatments, including health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on pruning, moving and planting trees. New Jersey doesn't have arborist licensing rules, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have three years of field experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. In New Jersey, companies that provide tree care must be registered with the NJ Board of Tree Experts (NJBTE), and must employ at least one full time Licensed Tree Expert or Licensed Tree Care Operator. Check to see whether potential tree removal service providers are listed on the NJBTE business directory.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you decide whether tree removal is a good decision and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will determine a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the roots, crown and trunk by circling around the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from several companies to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends for suggestions on nearby tree removal companies. Even with a trusted referral, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB.

Our methodology for selecting tree removal companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.